Donna Murray-Brown Bio

Donna Murray-Brown is the president and CEO of Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), a charitable organization dedicated to nonprofits and the communities they serve by promoting antiracism and social justice. MNA, a statewide membership organization, achieves its mission through advocacy, training, technology services and civic engagement. Murray-Brown is the driving force behind MNA’s strategic direction and operations.

Before becoming president and CEO in 2013, Murray-Brown served as director of the Metro Detroit Partnership Office and senior director of capacity building at MNA where she led a successful strategic alliance program for arts and culture organizations in metro Detroit and steered the merger negotiations of four organizations to create the Belle Isle Park Conservancy. Additionally, Murray-Brown has served over 20-years in various senior management roles in the banking industry, including vice president and Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) director for Charter One Bank, where she developed and executive CRA strategy.

Murray-Brown is the past chair for the National Council of Nonprofits and vice chair of the Detroit Public Television Board of Trustees. In 2019, she was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to serve on Northern Michigan University’s Board of Trustees, and she joined Candid’s board in 2021.

Murray-Brown earned a master’s degree in Community Development from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a BS in Business Administration from Central State University. She holds certifications in corporate community affairs from Boston College and strategic perspectives in nonprofit management from Harvard Business School.

Yuriy Flit - Bio

Yuriy has worked at Michigan Nonprofit Association as a tech specialist for the past 3 years. His duties include handling cybersecurity and the help desk for our organizations.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Security & Intelligence from Ferris State University. In his free time, he loves exploring new places, camping, and powersports.

Joan Gustafson - Bio

Joan Gustafson is External Affairs Officer for Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). MNA is a statewide membership organization dedicated to serving the diverse nonprofit sector through civic engagement, data and technology, and advocacy.

Ms. Gustafson is responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive public affairs and communication strategy for the organization. Previously, she spearheaded the communication and government affairs efforts for the International Food Protection Training Institute (IFPTI). Prior to joining IFPTI, Joan was the Regional Director of West Michigan for Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and served as the Governor’s liaison and ombudsman for the region.

Joan holds a degree in economics from the University of Minnesota. Joan was also appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports for a term commencing May 22, 2020 and expiring April 30, 2022.

Adam King - Bio

Adam is the director of information technology services at Michigan Nonprofit Association and is responsible for the promotion, development and implementation of IT services for nonprofits statewide. He oversees the MNA Tech team, provides strategic IT support for nonprofits, and ensures the smooth operation of the Nonprofit Center located at the Armory in Lansing.  

Adam attended Central Michigan University where he earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 2001.

In his free time, he enjoys audiobooks, camping, and wrestling with his three sons.

Kelley Kuhn - Bio

In her role as vice president of Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA), Kelley Kuhn provides ongoing support and expertise to management and senior leadership personnel. Founded in 1990, Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA) is a 501 © (3) charitable organization dedicated to nonprofits and the communities they serve by promoting anti-racism and social justice and Kuhn executes MNA’s core values and beliefs.

Prior to joining MNA, Kuhn worked for a variety of entities including the Jackson County Community Foundation and the Jackson Nonprofit Support Center where she served as executive director.  

Kuhn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education from Western Michigan University and holds an MBA from Eastern Michigan University. In January 2021, Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Kuhn to the bipartisan Protect Michigan Commission.  

Kuhn, whose pronouns are she/her/hers, is passionate about volunteering in her local community and helping nonprofits. She believes nonprofits are at the heart of addressing some of the most pressing issues in local communities. Kuhn resides in Saline with her family and their adorable dog, Jackson.

Sarah-Grace Motley Bio

Sarah-Grace Motley is the manager of marketing and digital engagement at Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). She is responsible for implementing a comprehensive marketing plan inclusive of traditional and digital marketing to advance the organization’s values, vision, and mission.

A southern transplant and passionate about making a difference in the lives of those around her and in her community, Sarah-Grace has expansive communications, marketing, and public relations experience with roles in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors including but not limited to McKee Foods Corporation, River City Company, and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.

Sarah-Grace, whose pronouns are she/her/hers, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, Women’s Studies, and Political Science from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, and a Master of Jurisprudence from Michigan State University College of Law. She resides in Farmington Hills with her husband and spends her free time watching college football, gardening, reading, and trying new restaurants across Michigan.

Sarah Pinder Bio

Sarah Pinder is the Engagement Director at Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). In this role, she works to connect MNA members with resources and benefits, develop member value, and manage special projects.

Sarah has spent more than a decade helping nonprofits. Prior to joining MNA in June of 2014, Sarah worked with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint where she helped thousands of local youth reach their full potential.

Sarah holds a BA in Communication from Michigan State University and is a proud fur-mama!

Tammy Pitts Bio

Tammy Pitts is the director of communications and marketing at Michigan Nonprofit Association (MNA). She is responsible for all external communications, marketing, and media relations strategy and execution across the organization. Tammy has an extensive background in journalism, media relations, social media strategy, marketing and brand management. Prior to joining MNA, she served as the senior producer of News 10 Today at WILX for over 17 years where she coordinated content for a daily broadcast. Most recently, she was the communications editor for the dean of International Studies and Programs (ISP) at Michigan State University.

Tammy holds a MBA from Walden University and earned a Bachelors of Arts in Communication from Michigan State University. She resides in Lansing with her family which includes her two sons and their goldendoodle, Max. In her free time she loves to read, travel, and root for the Spartans. Go Green!

Nellie Tsai Bio

As Social Innovation Officer, Nellie Tsai leads Michigan Nonprofit Association’s commitment and strategy to be an equitable, and inclusive organization. Working across the organization she helps lead initiatives that innovate and improve our core services.

Nellie previously served as the Community and Civic Engagement Director at MNA. In this capacity, she was the Deputy Campaign Manager for the Michigan Nonprofits Count Campaign, a collaborative, coordinated, statewide effort to mobilize nonprofits across the state to encourage participation in the upcoming 2020 census. Prior to this role, Nellie led MNA’s K-12 civic leadership program that connected youth to community causes and issues. Her past work experiences include leadership roles in charter school operations, corporate social responsibility, nonprofit development, and program management.

Nellie is an AmeriCorps alumna, and proudly serves on the Associate Board of City Year Detroit and the Volunteer Engagement Committee of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. She was selected to be an Independent Sector 2021 American Express NGen Fellow. She is one of 12 outstanding public service leaders age 40 and under, who are helping to build a brighter future for communities nationwide. Nellie is also a Racial Equity Fellow of the Detroit Equity Action Lab, an initiative of the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights at Wayne State University. In addition to her volunteer work, she holds a K-12 Administrator Certificate from the state of Michigan.

Nellie resides in Detroit with her family and holds a dual degree in Business (MBA) and Educational Studies (MA) from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor. Go Blue!